Harold Thompson better known as the artist "Friday" is accustomed to being the life of the party. Since a very young age in his native South Bronx neighborhood he was well known for seemingly making every situation seem hopeful. More like a weekend so to say, therefore gaining the nickname Friday. Such a perfect fit, he decided to carry it on with him.
Inntrigued with hip hop since his grade school days, Friday was often seen making up songs at the school lunch table. Nearly everyone whom he encountered knew his destiny was to be an entertainer. His first big break came when DJ Ron G featured one of his songs on his critically acclaimed Platinum Series mix tape. This was just the type of notoriety a young Friday needed. The buzz reassured Friday that he was on the right path. Later on in life, Friday reached a crossroad where he was forced to make a tough decision about his future. The choice ultimately became to continue to pursue music or a good education. Hard as it was, Friday felt the need to man up and go for the more certain of the two, therefore deciding to finish school first.
While attendind Clark Atlanta Friday began to embraced the southern lifestyle and culture. Today Friday makes no bones about the fact that the time spent in Atlanta assisted in the molding of the artist he is today. He was afforded the ability to hone his production skills as well as keep himself sharp by participating in and winning a variety or rap contests and open mic events. Aside from his craft, Friday accomplished a major achievement as he graduated with a degree in Mass Media Arts with a concentration in radio.
Five years to the date of his big decision, Friday returned to his hometown, New York City and began dedicating himself to becoming a national hip hop phenomenon. With his buzz growing he began to get request for radio interviews which ultimately led up to him meeting the founder of Grind Season Music Group, Haj Euro. where he was invited to tour with Grind Season Music Group.
In his own words, “Having the opportunity to go on stage and go to different cities and radio stations across the country has made me feel like I am here and very blessed for the chance”, Shortly after Friday joined Grind Season Music Group he was signed to his very first label deal.
During his maturation process Friday has developed a mantra that he follows to this very day: “In the midst of systematic stagnancy just make your own way” Friday is no stranger to doing things his way and he doesn’t mind being different. His goal is to affect millions worldwide through his music and character. Anyone could be next to hold the torch but Thank God it’s Friday!
Basquiat:
I hear you're a natural entertainer, is that correct, is that a genetic thing or just something that grew on you?
Friday:
Since I was able to walk & talk I was entertaining, making whoever was around me my audience!! From doing stand-up comedy in kindergarten for my classmates to making beats at the lunch table; I admit I felt more comfortable in front of people than amongst them at times.
Basdquiat:
What was it like when you heard Ron G playing your record on his mixtape series, did u feel like your dreams were starting to come true?
Friday:I felt like man Now I know we're going to be rich!! I was ready to throw my student metro card away & hire a driver. Growing up in the Bronx, a Ron G placement was equivalent to getting on a DJ Clue mixtape & everybody that consistently frequented those tapes was going somewhere. I had big plans!!!
Basquiat:
Who were some of the people who influenced your decision to put music to the side and pursue your education, when u enrolled @ Clark Atlanta?
Friday: Girls. Seriously, a friend who eventually became my girl, actually got me to go on a black college tour. My eyes were opened and my mother, the only person in my immediate family to go to college and graduate influenced me as well. I realized it was a big deal!
Basquiat: What was the biggest difference that you saw between up north and down south culture?
Friday: My introduction to "crunk", "saying hi to somebody you don't know", partying in the club in a manner where it doesn't matter if your clothes get dirty was a culture shock for me. The biggest difference is only outlook & how we carry out our perspectives on the things WE ALL like/dislike.
Basquiat: What are some of the elements of southern lifestyle that you have blended with your up north swag?
Friday: There's a certain aggressiveness blended with soulful melodies that are in my music. I have the soundtrack for any given moment of the day & influences from Up North or the South obviously work better for different modes. Complex lyricism served in a manner that's simple enough to digest is a great meal; no microwaves necessary!!!
Basquiat: What gives you better sense of accomplishment; writing songs or producing beats?
Friday: Well shout out to 85' Boy but when people think of FRIDAY I want them to think of a great writer with vision. Stevie Wonder, physically impaired of vision had so much depth & took us all to realms we've never been before. I want my art to be timeless.
Basquiat: Talk to us about "Holding On" the single. What made u say that was the one to introduce you to a greater audience?
Friday: Beyond it being the 1st song I ever had played on the radio; I never shared something so personal on a song. I was very vulnearable! As I continue on in my career I notice that songs like "Holdin On" really break through & touch the masses in a special way that's second to none.
Basquiat: How did you link up with Thee Elite? Whats the best thing about you guys chemistry?
Friday: Jelz (1/2 of Thee Elite) was the 1st person I met at High School. He was selling bootleg cd's & I had just recorded my 1st demo. He didn't want to sell my cd but said "yo you got a cold". I said "what?" He said "you sick" & then I said Oh, you saying I'm nice!!! We started working on music that day & shortly after I met Fitz (1/2 of Thee Elite) through him. At best our chemistry is organic, we been working on music together for the last 8 or 9 years!! We know what we want from the music!!
Basquiat: They produced most of the album correct? How was that a huge benefit?
Friday:Huge is an understatement! All we've had is one another to depend on since day 1 & I wouldn't have OUR 1st album any other way! Thank God I have producers that are more than just guys that believe in me but who are My Family.
Basquiat:How did the whole Grind Season link up come about?
Friday: I met CEO of GrindSeasonEnt. Haj Euro while I was already in college; coming back home on breaks. He told me he thought my style was dope & that meant a lot because nobody was singing & rapping at the current time with exception to Missy. He told me he was going to get his company off the ground; he did & brought me along for the ride. We On the Road to Success!!!
Basquiat:
What were some of the stops you tore down on the Grind Season tour?
Friday:
Its called the "On the road to success" tour sponsored by Sparkling Nuvo & Flud Watches. We've been everywhere from Atlantic City NJ, Baltimore MD, PA, Washington DC, Emporia/Hampton/Elizabeth City/Richmond VA, Myrtle Beach SC, NC, Toledo/Cleveland OH, Providence RI, Miami FL,etc. My next tour "Hooks & Books College Tour" brings even more states to tear down!!!!!
Basquiat:
Explain the concept of “In the midst of systematic stagnancy just make your own way”
Friday: It simply means if you feel everything is the same, showing little signs of advancement today; make your own lane & watch the flock follow. My style is unorthodox but necessary!! I'm excited about the next level in which Thee Elite Productions & myself will embark upon.
Basquiat: Thank God its Friday- what does that mean to you?
Friday:
Its the utmost interjection of celebration!! It never gets old & it truly is our checkpoint from week to week. A girl asked me "so why they call you Friday?" I answered "because they can't wait for me to come." I aim for my arrival in form of cd, appearance or whatever to be celebrated!!!
Basquiat:
Whats up next for Friday, a mixtape, working on the album?
Friday:
I'm looking forward to the "Hooks & Books College Tour" starting at end of this month. I just directed the video to my 1st single "Bees Wax" coming very soon. I have two mixtapes coming out in the next 2 months and I'm formulating a webisode series! Oh & working on music is like taking showers!!
Basquiat:
Where can people get in contact with you for features shows, etc.
Friday: Facebook/Youtube/Twitter/Itsfriday4eva or email me at Itsfriday4eva@gmail.com
Basquiat:
Any shoutouts?
Friday: Shout out to my family, GrindseasonEnt., GetSignedMag, TheeEliteProductions, DownerTv, Keyz2theCity, BloodBrothers, LNFL, Nude Vodka, Sparkling Nuvo, Flud Watches & everybody that's supporting me you know who you are!!
Check out Fridays Mixtape Its Almost Friday on datpiff.com:
http://www.datpiff.com/mixtapes-search.php?criteria=it%27s+almost+friday&x=5&y=12
Also, check out some of Friday's singles and footage:
I'm definitely excited to see new talent coming from the Bronx but unifying north and south! I've been privileged to see this man in action for years and he brings an energy unmatched by any artist i've seen for a long time!I knew Friday was a star the day I met him and i'm happy to know the world is finally getting the opportunity to see what I see in him. He's Co-written great material for my projects and I support him 110%!
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